“Sex is an important part of a romantic relationship for many older adults and it’s also important to [one’s] quality of life,” says Dr. Erica Solway of the University of Michigan, who lead the poll. “We recognize this is an important topic that relates to their well-being and something that doesn’t get the attention that it deserves.”

On top of this, men aged 60 and over particularly had high rates of STIs compared to women in the same age group.

Why is it still so taboo?

But Solway says while she can’t pinpoint exactly where the awkwardness of seniors engaging in sexual relationships comes from, it could have to do with ageism.

“People don’t want to think about getting older or older bodies, some people don’t want to think about themselves.”

She adds attitudes about older people and their priorities may also be a reason why sex in this age group is still stigmatized, adding some may believe people aged 65 plus should not be so focused on their sexual activity.

“No one wants to think of their grandmother who bakes them cookies having or wanting sex. It just seems ‘wrong’ as society embraces youth, but we all have needs regardless of age,” she told Global News in 2017.

Talking about sex

Health also plays an important role in this, Solway adds. Not only does a healthy sex life mean an overall healthy life, she adds the poll also found some participants (17 per cent) were not comfortable telling anyone about sexual health problems — the poll found 62 per cent were likely to tell their health care providers.

“Interestingly they were the ones who initiated [the conversations] themselves, but there could be a hesitation if health care providers make patients feel uncomfortable.”

And as more research into this topic continues to be conducted, Solway says it should give more insight as to how people over 65 stay sexually active and intimate. She says one of the biggest takeaways from this poll is how women, in particular, were staying sexually active.

“Many of the women who weren’t sexually active said they were satisfied with their sex lives. Maybe they are finding other ways to connect with their partners and find other ways to be intimate besides sexual intercourse.”